Leveraging its leadership, real-world expertise, and Georgetown Law’s expansive network, the International Criminal Justice Initiative (ICJI) educates policymakers and other stakeholders on the critical role of international criminal justice in promoting security and prosperity. It advocates for timely criminal accountability for atrocity crimes committed anywhere and offers invaluable practical support to accountability efforts.
ICJI seeks to forge a more equitable, efficient, and effective global system of criminal accountability for “atrocity crimes” – an umbrella term that includes war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and the crime of aggression.
To learn more about our work, view our ICJI Information Sheet and visit us on social media.
Featured News
June 17, 2026
When news coverage describes an airstrike as "disproportionate," what does that actually mean under international law? The word is often used loosely as a synonym for "excessive" or "unjustified." But the legal principle of proportionality in International Humanitarian Law (IHL) has a precise and demanding definition. Understanding this distinction matters enormously for accountability efforts in conflicts like Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine.
May 25, 2026
Today marks four years since the United States, United Kingdom and European Union established the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group for Ukraine (ACA) to advance accountability for atrocity crimes in the context of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, and to ensure efficient coordination of their respective support. The International Criminal Justice Initiative (ICJI) at Georgetown Law is the Lead Coordinating Entity of ACA.
May 5, 2026
Senior Fellows contribute to shaping and advising a range of ICJI efforts focused on accountability for atrocity crimes. Their work includes conducting research on pertinent legal questions, evaluating shortcomings in accountability frameworks and analyzing responses to both current and past conflicts.
